Anesthetic airway management may be needed.
- Preoperative evaluation for anesthesia must include adequate evaluation of the airway and the patient's neurologic status.
radiography (with flexion and extension views) should be performed when
any neurologic deficit suggests spinal-cord compression.
laryngoscopy and intubation, the patient's head should be maintained in
a neutral position, and hyperextension should be avoided.
- Anticholinergics can be prescribed to control hypersecretion in the airways. [NB See Dr Leichtmanś comments below. Paul Doney]
airway complications include subglottic stenosis and obstructive apnea,
which may result from a relatively large tongue, enlarged adenoids, and
There is no anesthesia that is better than or worse than others. The only thing I recommend is that any atropine derivatives be kept to the minimum. That includes scopalamine. These are used to dry secretions before surgery and people with DS are sensitive to the extent that they need a 1/2 dose. If not they will be become flushed and feverish post-operatively and may have trouble waking up after anesthesia.Dr Leichtman